Specifications

CHAPTER 6 Using Disks in a Virtual Machine
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Exclusively Using the DVD-ROM or CD-ROM Drive
You can prevent other virtual machines and the host from using the DVD-ROM or CD-
ROM drive until either you disconnect it from this virtual machine or you power off or
suspend the virtual machine. In the virtual machine settings editor, check Connect
exclusively to this virtual machine.
Using the DVD-ROM or CD-ROM Drive on a Client
When you use the VMware Virtual Machine Console on a remote client to connect to
a virtual machine, you have the option of using the optical drive on the client
machine instead of the drive on the GSX Server host. This is a convenient way of
installing software remotely if you do not have access to the host.
To use a client machine’s DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive, make sure you are using the
physical drive. Next to Location, select Client.
All virtual machine settings — like using legacy emulation and exclusive connections
— apply, except that a CD-ROM drive on a client cannot start connected.
If you want to boot the virtual machine from the DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive in a
client system, complete the following steps.
1. When you first begin booting the guest operating system, press the Esc key. A
boot menu appears.
2. Choose one of the following.
• Open the virtual machine settings editor (VM > Settings) and select the CD-
ROM drive. Select Use physical drive, then next to Location, select Client.
• In the VMware Management Interface, edit the DVD-ROM or CD-ROM drive in
the virtual machine’s hardware page. Select the physical drive in the Device
list, then check the Client Device check box.
3. Return to the boot menu in the guest operating system. Select the CD-ROM
drive, then press Enter to boot the virtual machine from the CD-ROM drive of the
client on which you are running the VMware Virtual Machine Console.